Windy City Gridiron: FanPosts

Former Titan QB Steve McNair found dead

2009-07-04T22:08:09Z

Alcorn State alum and former NFL MVP Steve McNair was found shot to death in his Nashville home, along with a female victim. The police have not revealed much in the way of details and have not released the identity of the woman. McNair spent his career with the Oilers, Titans, and Ravens, and was Co-MVP along with Peyton Manning in 2003. He was 36 years old.

[Note by WCG, 07/04/09 6:51 PM EDT ]If you would like to read more in the coming days, I'm sure Music City Miracles will be keeping everybody updated.

Johnny Knox Has A Surprising Fan

2009-07-04T03:39:52Z

This article from the Chicago Tribune talks about how Chance McCoy (Colt's little bro) played at ACU with Knox. In this article Chance talks about his brother's reaction to Knox's play.

"Colt compared (Knox) favorably to Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby at Texas,'' Chance McCoy said. "He said Johnny was the same type of guy, just at a smaller school. He said there was no doubt he'd be able to play in the NFL.''

I remember a lot of you raving about Jordan Shipley in that Will We Still Need WR Help Next Year? article, so you guys should be excited at these comparisons. Except I believe that Knox has way more speed than both of them. I have a feeling that Knox will end up as the starting slot WR, and that he will make some huge plays next year. If that happens and Iglesias can have a rookie year similiar to Steve Smiths(NYG), minus the injuries, then I feel confident in our WR core.

via www.chicagotribune.com

On a side note, I can't believe Texas didn't offer Chance a scholarship, even if it is only because of his brother, or at least didn't guarantee him a walk-on spot. Then again they might have, and Chance was smarter than his brother and chose not to go. That's directed at you ChiFan.

Jerry the Professor

2009-07-02T15:55:49Z

Propheteer is stepping back from his normal "Jerry the Professor" piece, as his summer schedule is taking up a lot of his time. Thanks for your contributions propheteer!

Jerry Angelo was possibly one of the most criticized names last season, as he was building a reputation for being soft on his coaches, keeping the checkbook in his pocket when free agents were available, and never doing anything in the offseason to put together significant trades.

Then, 2009 happened. And best I can figure, it was one of two things:

1- Angelo was on the "hot seat" with his bosses, and realized that he needed to make something happen fast to save his job, or

2- Angelo was able to convince his bosses to let him work, untie his hands, and make some big moves.

Personally, I think it may have been a combination. Angelo might have been getting pressured by his bosses to improve the team, but he had to convince them to allow him to empty the chamber and make big things happen.

However it went down, Angelo definitely came out on this end looking like a stud, with everyone singing his praises for all of this offseason's moves. Since April, Jerry has been in the public eye way more than his previous years with the team, and has provided some good insight as to what he thinks about the team.

This series began in March, two weeks before the Cutler trade. It is very interesting to read the progression of his interviews with Larry Mayer. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7.

And in the latest installment, Angelo discusses the OLine, Chris Williams specifically, the coaching changes, and Devin Hester. Excerpt:

I’m very confident (in Chris Williams). Chris was a very good player coming out of Vanderbilt. He was one of the better tackles I’ve seen. He has everything you look for at the position: size, athleticism, intelligence, work ethic and strength. He possesses all the components to be a very good tackle in this league.

NightLink: How Long Will Lovie Be in Chicago?

2009-07-01T22:35:51Z

During this very active Chicago Bears offseason, GM Jerry Angelo has pieced together a successful team on paper. He added weapons on offense, assigned Lovie Smith to call defensive plays, and hired Rod Marinelli to revamp our DLine. We've got the talent to win.

That being said, I am curious as to what you think about Lovie Smith's outlook in Chicago. Of course, today's NFL is constantly referred to as a "What have you done for me lately?" league with its head coaches, and Lovie is probably no different. After all, we heard Angelo say a couple of months ago that the talent is in place, and now it is up to the coaches to make it work.

Did you know that out of 32 NFL teams, only 8 head coaches have been in place for more than 3 seasons with their current teams?

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee (1994)

Andy Reid, Philadelphia (1999)

Bill Belichick, New England (2000)

John Fox, Carolina (2002)

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati (2003)

Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville (2003)

Lovie Smith, Chicago (2004)

Tom Coughlin, NY Giants (2004)

Out of that list, you have to think that Marvin Lewis' days in Cincinnati are numbered, and John Fox and Jack Del Rio probably need to hurry up and do something as well.

That means that 75% of current head coaches have been with their current team for 3 years or less. In 2009 alone, we have seen 10 new head coaches named (Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, NY Jets, Oakland [Cable was interim], Seattle, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay).

In Lovie Smith's 5 years in Chicago, he has a record of 45-35, 2 NFC North titles, and 2 playoff berths. In the 2 seasons since the Super Bowl, he is 16-16, and has failed to make the playoffs. That is not a good thing in today's NFL.

It appears that the Bears are in position to battle for the NFC North title once again, but how much wiggle-room does Lovie have? Is Jerry Angelo in a "win now" mode, or might Lovie have a couple of years to get everything together?

How many more seasons do you expect to see Lovie Smith as head coach in Chicago?

Who’ll Start Alongside Tommie Harris? (Poll)

2009-07-01T21:12:58Z

It's a given that a healthy Tommie Harris is the starting 3 Technique tackle for the Bears, but who'll get the nod at the nose tackle?

I all but assumed Anthony Adams would win the job. Last year after replacing an injured Dusty Dvoracek, Adams play was solid. In four starts, after Dusty went down, Adams had 17 tackles (he appeared in 9 games in '08 and had 21 total tackles). In the 12 starts Dvoracek had, he compiled 29 tackles. Adams just seemed to be more disruptive last year. Taking it a bit further, in 2007 Adams played in 11 games with 8 starts and had 26 tackles. I know tackles aren't the only way to gauge a defensive tackle's effectiveness, but Adams seemed to get more consistent penetration.

Larry Mayer of chicagobears.com predicts that Adams will start. He also had an interesting take on the future of Dvoracek (as pointed out by GeauxBears). Mayer predicts Dvoracek will be around in 2009, but I think he's on the bubble.

Over on ESPNChicago; Jeff Dickerson, in a recent edition of his mailbag, predicts that second year Marcus Harrison will get the start at NT. His thinking was:

"... this is not my personal view of how the depth chart should look, but rather, how I predict the coaching staff feels about each position."

Interesting... I wonder who he personally thinks would get the nod at NT? I thought Harrison had a productive rookie season picking up 28 tackles and a couple of sacks while in the DT rotation all year, but I didn't know him starting in '09 was even being considered by the coaches. Maybe Jeff Dickerson knows something we don't.

Poll

Who will be the starting Nose Tackle for the Bears in 2009?

Joe Delaney Remembered on Arrowhead Pride

2009-06-30T15:46:19Z

If you get a moment, take the time to stop over at Arrowhead Pride and read primetime07's article on Joe Delaney. Yesterday marked the 26th anniversary of Delaney's death, which occurred while trying to save three boys from drowning in a Louisiana pond. Delaney could not swim himself.

While it has become commonplace to read about the misdeeds that come from the professional sports realm, it is people like Joe Delaney who remind us that selflessness lasts a lifetime.

Just curious here!

2009-06-29T17:41:42Z

O.k. as my first post on the WCG, you guys are probably already aware that I'm a Die-hard Lions fan, but a lover of the North in general. Since starting to get out of our little pond over in the "pride" I am curious as to how you guys feel about one certain LB'r and that would be 1 Derrick Brooks a long time ex-Yuckaneer? We bloggers over in the pride would like to see him sign with our lions just to have another Veteran Lb to be there and help out our 3 very young Lb's who we don't feel will play much this year, I was thinking that if Brooks had a choice of where he could go it would be to your Bears cause of the Marinera sauce and Lovie Smith connections he has had in the past. With that being said would you guys even want such a player assuming that he would go anywhere to be a back-up? And last but not least thank you guys for helping me take off my blinders when it comes to Football in general, cause like most of you I am so blind with the lust of my lions I am/was to Bias to think straight on most topics.

Pro Bowl Overhaul?

2009-06-29T05:11:51Z

After spending some time in GB's Pro Bowl post, it got my wheels turning on how much I hate the voting process for the Pro Bowl, as well as for all-star games in general. Since they're moving the game out of Hawaii (bad idea) and moving it in front of the Super Bowl (bad idea #2), I figure maybe they can change the selection process as well.

I understand the idea behind letting the fans vote for all-star games. It promotes interaction and makes fans feel more like they're a part of something. Unfortunately, there's no way of restricting people who are not particularly knowledgeable about the game or are just tools and vote for everyone on their favorite team. Repeatedly. Kinda like Chicago elections. That is a big part of why we end up with so many undeserving players voted in every year. It also gives an advantage to teams in a big market with large fan bases, because they've got more fans to get online and vote (except for in Philly where their own self-loathing and contempt keeps them from voting for the Iggles players.)

Year after year we see guys get in on name recognition alone, especially linemen. With other positions there are stats to at least point people in the right direction (although they can be misleading as well), but few people really know how to judge line play, especially when all you've got is TV camera angles. So you end up with people voting for whoever Joe Buck declares to be great every Sunday. I'd be willing to bet that if you put Jonathan Ogden on the ballot this year, he would get a sizable chunk of votes, and I'm not kidding when I say that. The last few years of his career were far from All-Pro caliber, but he kept making it anyways. Unfortunately, a lot of players/coaches admit to doing the same thing. They'll vote based on what they've heard or who they're friends with.

The only thing I can think of is to have a group of scouts and possibly a few media people, but the ones that truly know the game and are not just typical beat writers (I'm thinking of guys like Paul Zimmerman. Like him or not, the guy knows the game inside and out.) The selections can be left up to them, or if you want to maintain some level of fan involvement, have a panel narrow it down to a few players at every position and let the fans vote from that group.

Anyone out there have any alternatives, or do you think it should be left alone? Also, is anyone else concerned that moving the Pro Bowl back before the Super Bowl may inspire a boneheaded MLB-like attempt to assign relevance to the game by awarding an advantage to the winning conference? I don't think it will happen, but the possibility definitely increases by the game being moved back.

Poll

Do you feel the voting process for the Pro Bowl should be changed, or should it be left alone?

2010 Free Agent Wide Receivers

2009-06-27T20:20:00Z

While it may be a little soon, but it's the offseason so I've had time to think about this. What if the Bears do well in the 2009 NFL Season but a glaring need is still the Wide Receiver position? I'm hoping this isn't the case and that one of the rookies ends up showing enough promise or that Hester finally breaks out but let's play devil's advocate.

It often takes years for rookie WR's to contribute significantly and Hester is short and dropped some go ahead touchdowns last year. The defense is aging period. The defense will not be as good as the 05-06 defense in 2012 or 2013. Hopefully some players step up and take over some key positions (Marcus Freeman here's to looking at you).

Angelo has shown that he wants to win a championship, and he knows the window is closing. He traded his left arm for Cutler and he made a move for Anquan Boldin. I think that he will go after a FA WR next year if need be and won't be afraid to spend some of that cap space (if there's even a cap in 2010).

Let's take a look at some of the 2010 FA WRs:

Braylon Edwards (CLE, UFA)

This is a move that probably would not be too popular with the fanbase, but it could turn into a genius move. Even though Braylon led the NFL in drops (16) in 2008, he has 228 receptions for 3558 yards in 58 games, that's an average of 15.6 yards per catch. I really think that a change of scenery would do Braylon some good, he has been surrounded by mediocraty in Cleveland minus the one fluke year that Derek Anderson looked good. I can see it now, Cutler throwing a lob pass Braylon uses his 6'3'' 220 lb. frame to shield the ball from the CB, Touchdown Bears!

Roddy White (ATL, UFA)

He is coming off of one of his best seasons in 2008 which earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. 88 receptions for 1,382 yards last season with Matt Ryan. If he could have the same type of level with the Chicago Bears we'd finally have a #1 WR.

Miles Austin (DAL, UFA)

Never heard of him huh? that's because Jerry Jones is a fool. You might have heard of him as a return man, but make no mistake, this guy runs crisp routes and has deceptive speed.

Steve Breaston (ARI, RFA)

In 2008 he had 77 receptions for 1,006 yards as a backup. He would not be too expensive,but it would cost a 2nd round pick, it's a classic Angelo move. Breaston is also a beast on special teams, could you imagine using him as a gunner or even the posibility of rotating our return men. We'd have the best return trio in the league with D. Manning, Hester, and Breaston.

Brandon Marshall (DEN, UFA)

This makes the most sense, I don't see Brandon Marshall getting a trade but I do see him wanting to get ouf of Denver after having Orton throw to him and another losing season (is this too soon to say?). Will the Broncos be smart and give him a new contract before he tests FA waters? Nnamdi Asomugha (IMO the best CB in the NFL) said Marshall is "the toughest guy to bring down, one-on-one."

Who knows, this is the NFL, anything can happen. This could make our offense rank top 5, at least on paper.

The Oline is really a question mark right now, but I have high hopes. Let's say the Line is good. that'd leave us with...

QB Cutler

RB Forte

TE Olsen

WR Brandon Marshall

WR Devin Hester

I guess we won't know about our current crop until the season starts, but Bear Down and keep cool!

Poll

Which Wide Receiver do you see the Bears most likely getting during the 2010 Free Agency?

Devin Hester - Over / Under

2009-06-27T06:03:13Z

On Jeff Dickerson's June 23rd blog on ESPN Chicago he writes about some time he spent on the "Waddle and Silvy" show last week when the three of them came up with an over / under for Devin Hester's receiving stats for 2009. I'm already on record as saying I think Hester will get about 70 catches for 1000+ yards, so their over / under intrigued me.

Here's the over / under they set for Hester:

65 receptions, 1000 yards, 6 touchdowns

OK... I'll take the over, the over, and the over. Hypothetically speaking of course, gambling is illegal! I just think Jay Cutler has the arm to put Hester in positions to make plays. Not to knock on Kyle Orton, but he didn't have the zip on his passes like Cutler and DB's were able to get on the receivers quicker. With Cutler's arm strength those little zero routes to Devin should give him more room to operate, the deep balls Orton couldn't connect on will find Devin's hands more often, and the crossing patterns will hit Hester in stride allowing him to outrun the defense.

What does everyone think? Do you like the over or the under? Do you like some of the overs or all the unders?

Poll

You saw the numbers... do you go with the over or under?

Photo-Caption Contest: All In A Row

2009-06-26T16:37:38Z

Congratulations are in order to Spongie, as he is the winner of our most recent contest. Golfclap for Spongie! He has the privelege of choosing this week's picture. Spongie will sit out this week, and be eligible for return next week.

Honorable mentions (other engreeninations) go to:

gocubs526

HoneyBear

The Kaiser

Previous winners:

This week's photo:

Put your thinking caps on, and get creative! Remember to keep your captions blog-appropriate, and wreck your favorites...

Have fun!

The Bears Pass Coverage was Good in 2008

2009-06-26T04:20:32Z

So after reading wiltfongjr's excellent piece on the cover 2, I quickly realized the numbers back up and expand upon one of his main points, using the 2008 Bears as an example. Namely, pressure on the passer is a key to the success of the cover 2 defense.

<blockquote>Penetration from front 4 is essential to any variation of the Cover 2. If you are forced to blitz, like the Bears were last year, you just can't run the defense. You need those 4 down lineman to penetrate and disrupt running plays or to pressure the QB on passing plays, so your remaining 7 defenders can play their zones accordingly. This is why Lovie calls the signing of Defensive Line Coach Rod Marinelli such an important piece of the puzzle. If Marinelli can max out the potential of the D-Line the defense will get back to more Cover 2, and subsequently less blitzing. Last years numerous blitzes and Mug look (lining the LB's up close to the line of scrimmage near the A gaps) took away from what Lovie Smith had built the defense up to be.</blockquote>

If you look at the breakdown they have at footballoutsiders.com, you'll see that the Bears had the 7th-best D in the league, according to both their DVOA stat (5.5% better than average, see here for an explanation of how FO arrives at these numbers) and their weighted number (2.5% better than average). Their rush D was particularly good -- 16.5% better than the average team -- and was the 5th-best in the league. Their weakness was against the pass, where they were 3.3% worse than average, and only ranked 11th in the NFL.

Now, if you look at the numbers they had against different types of receivers, they actually did quite well. They did better than average against #1 WR's, #2 WR's, "other WR's" (i.e. 3/4/5), and TE's. They only were worse than average against RB's (where they were pretty bad). This may lead you to ask how they were below average against the pass, if they were good against everything but RB's, who don't get many passes thrown their way. The answer is simple, and right on the page those numbers come from: DVOA of defense against receivers does not include sacks or passes with no intended receiver listed. To put it another way, the problem was the Bears simply allowed too many passing plays to turn into pass attempts; they didn't get enough sacks. The numbers also bear this out as the Bears were horrendous at rushing the passer. They had a sack rate of, 5%, which was 6th worst rate in the league. This was the case despite the Bears high blitz rate. This blitzing was also probably part of the reason the RB was successful catching passes out of the backfield, as it was often the OLB's blitzing, who would otherwise be responsible for wrapping up the RB after the catch.

If you ask me, the Bears need to upgrade their pass rush this offseason more than anything else on D. When you blitz the passer and don't get pressure on the QB, you're going to have trouble in coverage no matter your scheme; that's not on the secondary, it's on the D-line. And if this happens when you're playing the cover-2, the problem is accentuated. The passing D was a problem last season, but it wasn't the secondary or "coverage" that was the issue. Rather, the problem was the D-line and the pressure (or lack thereof) on the QB. They didn't really make any big acquisitions in terms of pass-rushing D-linemen this offseason. Hopefully, Rod Marinelli can turn improve the talent they already had.

Comparing Dent To Strahan

2009-06-26T04:07:39Z

With the recent endorsement of Richard Dent for the Hall Of Fame by Colts standout Dwight Freeney (as seen here), I though I'd dust off some research I did a while back for comparing Dent to Michael Strahan.

Most NFL experts are predicting Michael Strahan to be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer after his 5 year waiting period, with most experts calling his induction a no-brainer. Is he a sure thing for 1st ballot induction? I think so. He was one of the best at his position for a long time and he put up some outstanding numbers on some really good Giant defenses.

I've always thought Dent should be in the Hall, but the comparison between these two show just how good Dent's numbers are when compared to the virtual lock Michael Strahan.

Sacks:
Richard Dent - 137.5
Michael Strahan - 141.5

Double Digit Sack Seasons:
Richard Dent - 8
Michael Strahan - 6

Forced Fumbles:
Richard Dent - 37
Michael Strahan - 24

Fumbles Recovered:
Richard Dent - 13
Michael Strahan - 15

Interceptions:
Richard Dent - 8
Michael Strahan - 4

* Solo Tackles:
Richard Dent - 671
Michael Strahan - 667

* I'll only compare solo tackles because before 1994 teams recorded tackles on a team by team basis and many teams never bothered with assists, from 1994-2001 tackles were recorded by every team but not recognized as an official NFL statistic, in 2001 tackles became an official NFL statistic.

Pro Bowls:
Richard Dent - 4
Michael Strahan - 7

All Pro Teams:
Richard Dent - 2 first team / 2 second teams
Michael Strahan - 5 first teams / 1 second team

** Post Season Appearances:
Richard Dent - 7
Michael Strahan - 7

** Divisional Titles won by respective teams:
Richard Dent - 6
Michael Strahan - 3

** Conference Championships:
Richard Dent - 1
Michael Strahan - 2

** Super Bowl Rings:
Richard Dent - 1
Michael Strahan - 1

** Richard Dent was on the roster but injured for 2 additional playoff teams, the 1994 49ers & the 1995 Bears, the '94 Niners won the NFC West and went on to win the Super Bowl garnering Dent a second Ring.

Additional Awards:
Richard Dent - Super Bowl XX MVP
Michael Strahan - 2001 NFL Defensive POY, 2001 & 2003 NFC Defensive POY

They both played 15 years in the NFL, Dent from '83-'97 and Strahan from '93-'07. Strahan did his damage in 216 games while starting 205 and Dent amassed his numbers in 203 games with 150 starts. When Dent retired he was 3rd all time in sacks.

I think part of the reason Dent is overlooked was the stigma of him being a pass rush specialist and weak against the run, a label he got early in his career, but in fact he never backed down against the run as his 671 solo tackles can attest. Another reason is his last few years he was riddled with injuries, and leaving the game on your own terms like Michael Strahan makes for a better storybook ending. Had Dent gone out after his 11th season, finishing up as a pro bowl player in 1993, the Hall Of Fame voters would have looked on his career in a better light.

Without question I think Strahan should be in the Hall, but how can any one argue against Dent making it as well?

Poll

Will Richard Dent make it to the Hall Of Fame before Michael Strahan?

Pro Bowl 2010?

2009-06-25T17:12:16Z

The Chicago Bears have plenty of talent on the roster, and several players have been to the Pro Bowl in their careers. We have seen a ton of new faces added to the offense, and can expect a new perspective from the coaching ranks on defense. Special teams have never disappointed, and I don't expect that to change in 2009.

With all of the "newness" that we will see in 2009, I am wondering how it might affect the production on both sides of the ball. Many of us think that the offense may sputter early on until we can get into a good groove. And a lot of folks think that the defense may not be able to produce as much success as previous years.

That being said, we definitely have a ton of Pro Bowl caliber players. Who can we expect to see in Miami from our 2009 roster?

Last year's Pro Bowl rosters. (link pops)

NBA Draft

2009-06-25T14:56:57Z

From time to time, if there is an event happening I like to talk about another sport. With the NBA Draft happening tonight I was curious what your thoughts were on who the Bulls should take and further what you think they should do with the parts they have.

It seems they are resigned to letting Gordon go and it looks like Hinrich is turning out to be a sought after trade item.

What do you think they should do in the draft and rest of the off season?

Source: Farve will be at Viking Training Camp.

2009-06-24T16:34:56Z

(WCCO)

I read a report that has Farve reporting to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp and they have also agreed to terms.

You can read the original story below:

Original Story

Here's the story:

Barring some unforeseen major physical setback, Brett Favre will be at training camp in Mankato when they open up the end of July, a source has told WCCO's Mark Rosen.

That source said that Favre and the Vikings have indeed come to a contractual agreement, with heavy incentives. The Vikings equipment manager has already ordered number 4 purple jerseys with his name on it.

However, on Sunday, Favre's longtime agent, Bus Cooke denied a report that was out there that Favre and the Vikings had come to an agreement.

What isn't known is when this will be officially announced. Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress is in Alaska fishing this week with his good friend, Eagles head coach, Andy Reid.

ProFootballTalk.com speculated the announcement will come Fourth of July weekend, when a lot of media folks are on vacation to minimize the circus atmosphere.

John David Booty is currently wearing number 4, but not for long. Rosen said he believes the Vikings will keep Booty. The logical man to try and move would be Tavaris Jackson with Sage Rosenfels backing Favre up and ready to take over if Favre can't get the job done.

Are you worried about this or is this just another bump toward a Chicago Bear run for the Division Title?

Poll

Are you concerned about this signing?

Today, In Totally Irrelevant Former Bears' News.

2009-06-24T07:18:57Z

According to an AP story, former Bears 2002 draft pick Marc Colombo has signed a recording contract along with current Cowboy's teammates Leonard Davis and Cory Procter. They have a metal band called ~~The Screaming ACL's of Death~~ Free Reign, and have signed with an Australian label, Riot Entertainment. Congratulations to him on finding something he's good at besides hanging out on the trainer's table. Here's the link, just to prove that I'm not making this up.

Favre report confirmed !!!!

2009-06-24T03:50:10Z

Well it looks like this is goin to be an interesting division here is the link. I'm not real sure how well Farve will play but it will definately be an upgrade at qb for the Vikes. With the addition of Harvin the Vikings offense is down right scary. Lets hope that Lovie calling the plays will bring back the Monsters of the Midway. I'm still a believer that getting Cutler trumps this but i just got a little less sure about things.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/real_scouts/entry/view/25884/Report_of_Favre_to_Vikes_Confirmed/25884

This Season's Success Falls To The Defense--- Not Cutler

2009-06-22T19:20:36Z

Reading through some posts on the board here recently it seems like most of us are secure in the thought that Jay Cutler is a good QB. We would also agree that our offense should improve even if we don't add a veteran or impact WR. Now this is Chicago Bears football we're talking about.... The Monsters of the Midway... so in good conscience I have to say that this season is still all about the D.

No disrespect intended to Jay and Co on the offense; but does anybody really believe that the run first smashmouth football style will lead this team deep into the playoffs? Do you see the game being placed on Jay's arm and hoping he can gun sling us to victory after victory?

I decided to jump in the way back machine and provide some insight on defensive rankings and the correlation to making the playoffs. The stats go back farther but I only went back to 1979 since that was the year of my birth. The stats are provided here.

In the last 30 years the Bears have been to the playoffs 11 times. With that being said the following is an average of all the rankings for the 11 playoff qualifying seasons.

Overall DefensiveRanking for Points Allowed(AVG): 2.5

Overall Offensive Ranking for Points Scored(AVG): 12.6

Overall Defensive Ranking for Yards Allowed(AVG): 4.4

Overall Offensive Ranksings for Yards Accumulated(AVG): 14.6

The obvious statement to be made here is if the defense is good we'll make the playoffs. But is it that easy?

Compairing the 2008 season to the last 2 seasons that we made the playoffs:

2008- Offense Defense

Pts Yds Pts Yds

14 26 16 21

2006- Offense Defense

Pts Yds Pts Yds

2 15 3 5

2005 Offense Defense

Pts Yds Pts Yds

26 29 1 2

We all know about the 06 superbowl run, the defense was great more so once Rex became bad Rex good Rex, 05 showed us that we don't need an offense at all just a dominat D. 08 just like 07 showed us if we're average at both it's a coin flip on if we make it or not. So I guess this year something has to improve, I for one hope it's both the D and the O, but even if the O gets just slightly better and the D returns to 05-06 form we could see a long playoff run.

So basically I want to see more of this:

via photos.upi.com

And less of this:

via nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com

Poll

Which is more important to you?

Dream Team-NFC North Coaches

2009-06-22T00:22:23Z

On espn.com, someone wrote Kevin Seifert what would be his dream team of coaches from the NFC North. And below are his positions:

Head coach: Lovie Smith (CHI)
Offensive coordinator: Scott Linehan (DET)
Quarterbacks: Tom Clements (GB)
Running backs: Eric Bieniemy (MIN)
Wide receivers: Jimmy Robinson (GB)
Offensive line: TBD
Defensive coordinator: Leslie Frazier (MIN)
Defensive line: Rod Marinelli (CHI)
Linebackers: Fred Pagac (MIN)
Secondary: TBD
Special teams: Dave Toub (CHI)

3 Chicago coaches made the list, but what I found most interesting was that Lovie was chosen as the head coach for the division, especially after the lack of national respect for him as a head coach in SI's rankings. I agree with Lovie's appointment, because I feel that he has accomplished more than any other coach in the division.

What do you think of these rankings are their any coaches you'd change and who would be their replacement on the list? What do you think about Lovie being named head coach? stuff like that.

via volball.files.wordpress.com